What is the one thing that can make or break(literally) your winter experience? Some might say good winter layers, some might say great accessories, some might even say it depends on the snowfall. But if you ask me, one thing that can make or break your winter experience is the winter shoes.
Irrespective of the activities you indulge in or the places you go to, the best winter shoes will always take you to places and keep you comfortable without compromising on the warmth. So here are our top picks for the best winter shoes that we hope you like and that can keep you warm throughout this season.
Winter Boots
10 Best winter shoes
Have you ever seen some great shoes and thought wow it would really look cool with a certain outfit but then bought it and found it to be completely impractical? This is one of the main problems when choosing shoes for winter. Even though many products advertise comfort, their focus would be on style, and depending on your need, you can choose the one that suits you the best. But how do you decide which shoes are the best and which are not?
Most often you check the description, reviews and then try to come to an informed decision.
Through this article, I would walk you through ways to keep you warm in winter, how to choose your winter shoes, and give you our top 10 best winter shoes.
How to keep warm in the winter?
Before we talk about the shoes, it is important to note that the shoes alone cannot keep you warm. Even though shoes are an integral part of enhancing your winter experience, if your body is not warm, you would feel cold, tired, and would just want to go somewhere warmer. This is where the art of layering can help you.
The first part of layering is to know the different layers. Layers can be divided into four- base layer, mid-layer, shell layer, and finally accessories.
Baselayers are the first part of the layering system. They are pieces of clothing worn close to your skin and just over your undergarments. Also known as thermals, base layers are used to keep your body warm and dry.
Mainly made of breathable fabric like cotton, wool blend, or pure wool, base layers are a must when it comes to winter layering. Merino wool is one of the best choices when it comes to thermal wear. Their innate antibacterial properties, temperature regulation, and rapid drying properties make them everyone’s favorite.
Kosha uses the unique blend of merino wool and bamboo to create ultra-soft base layers that are warm, lightweight, temperature regulating and can be doubled up as a T-Shirt.
Kosha Baselayer Thermals
You can shop merino wool bamboo base layers for men here.
You can shop merino wool bamboo base layers for women here.
Mid layers form the second layer in the winter layering system. They are those clothes that are worn over your regular clothes which are used for added insulation. Usually made of fabrics that are warm like wool or premium cotton, mid-layers come in a variety of designs and styles.
From garments made to provide additional warmth to your head, a.k.a hoodies to turtleneck sweaters and cardigans, mid-layers are not just worn as part of the winter layers but also worn as individual pieces of clothing when you crave that extra warmth. Kosha offers a variety of mid-layers in the form of organic cotton hoodies, Supima pullovers, and classic sweaters.
You can shop for hoodies for men here.
You can shop for hoodies for women here.
You can shop for pullovers for men here.
You can shop for pullovers for women here.
You can shop for sweaters for men here.
You can shop for sweaters for women here.
While all the other layers of the layering system focus on providing warmth, the main goal of the shell layers or outer layers are the weather protective layers of the winter layering category. They are made of fabrics that are wind, water, or snowproof.
They are worn outside all your normal clothes to keep your body warm and safe from the external elements. Depending on the usability of the garment, it can either be a hardshell jacket or a softshell jacket. Hardshell jackets are made without any insulation and the sole duty is to protect you from snow, wind, or water. Softshell jackets provide a padded layer of insulation to keep your body warm on top of protecting it from external elements.
You can shop for jackets for men here.
You can shop for jackets for women here.
Last but not least there are accessories that can keep you warm from head to toe, including woolen beanies, stylish scarves, touchscreen gloves, and technical socks. Those are the ones that protect your extremities and often help in adding a splash of colors to your winter wardrobe.
Beanies protect your head and ears from the cold. They can either be a half cap or a balaclava depending on the need of the hour. Scarves are excellent in providing that extra warmth for your neck and throat. They are also great in providing that extra oomph to your attire.
Another important accessory that you cannot compromise on is the touchscreen gloves. With our lives completely revolving around digital gadgets it is important to invest in a good pair of touchscreen gloves that can keep you warm and help you operate your gadgets without any difficulty.
Accessories won’t be complete without mentioning socks. Socks are important as they keep your feet warm. Technical socks are the type of winter socks that are made especially to keep your foot not just warm but to provide you with that extra cushioning and support needed for your winter adventures.
Kosha has an excellent collection of technical socks that can complement your winter shoes pretty well.
You can shop for socks for men here.
You can shop for socks for women here.
Now that you know about keeping your body warm, let’s talk about choosing the correct winter shoes.
Choosing the right shoe always starts with two criteria. The first is the intent and the second is the type of snow you would be experiencing. Why you are purchasing the shoes and where you are wearing the shoes play a huge role in deciding the right shoes.
What you need to look for in a good shoe can basically be divided into fit, insulation, and material. Fit can be ankle length, mid length, or knee-length. Insulation refers to how warm you need the shoe to be. Also, the grip of the shoes is something to be noted. When you are walking through a wet or snowy area, you would need a shoe that provides good friction and grip.
Better than all the regular shoes to be specific. It again goes back to the intent and snow. The third factor that affects your purchase of winter shoes is the material. Some of the common materials used for winter shoes are nylon, PU, EVA, leather, and rubber.
One important thing that you always need to keep in mind while choosing winter shoes is it needs to be waterproof. You are bound to walk in the snow or at least through wet conditions and if your shoes are not waterproof, it ruins the entire experience. If you like to know more about choosing the right winter shoes, you can read about them here.
Now that you know what are some of the things to look for while choosing your winter shoes, it is time to show you some of the best winter shoes. So, without further ado, here are our picks for the top winter shoes in an increasing price range.
#The North Face Thermoball Traction Booties (Men)
Are you looking for a pair of winter shoes that are lightweight, warm, and comfortable for men? Then the North Face’s Thermoball Traction Booties are perfect for you.
They are a pair of cool-looking slip-on winter shoes that can be used for light adventure as well as daily casuals. Made of a high traction rubber outsole, it is water-resistant and lightweight. The upper console is made of 100% recyclable P.E.T and helps in keeping the feet dry. They also are designed to retain the warmth of the feet. Perfect for skiing, camping, or even a casual walk through the snow.
The conscious use of materials for the shoes not just reduces the wastage of production but also ensures the durability of the shoes.
The product is available for sale on Amazon, Myntra, Rei, and the official North Face website. They are priced at INR 4920.
You can find them here.
#Hush Puppies Rain Sneaker Bootie (Women)
If your intention of buying winter shoes has more to do with waterproofing and less with warmth, then the rain sneaker bootie is the perfect choice for you.
This reinvented waterproof sneaker bootie by Hush Puppies is a versatile option for winter and rain. The sneakers are made with rubber for proofing water and ease of cleaning. The bottom sole is rubber again which provides extra traction in case of walking through the slippery floors.
Built with the Bounce footbed, they offer extra support and energy return while walking through splashing water. Made with pull tabs and stretchy sides, they are very easy to get on and as easy to get off.
One drawback of them is that they do not come with extra insulation. So, if you are someone who is coming from a cold place, you would not want to invest in them. For mild winters you can use thick woolen socks that can provide added insulation and then use them as the shoe for waterproofing. This will only work if the temperature is manageable and there is no snowfall or freezing weather.
They come in 4 colors and designs that look trendy and different from the usual monotonous waterproof sneakers. They offer sizes from 6 to 12. They are priced at INR 6050. They are available for purchase on Amazon, dew, and the official website of Hush Puppies.
You can check them out here.
#The North Face Tsumoru Boot (Men)
One of The North Face’s classic collections, the Tsumoru Boot for men is for anyone who is looking to explore winter face on.
The vintage lace-up style and brilliantly designed I’d support making it the perfect winter travel companion. Made of EVA shells, they are lightweight and waterproof. Designed to provide warmth along with waterproof, this design has a 200g Primaloft Silver Insulation Eco.
The midsole is made of injection-molded EVA and the outer layer is PU coated with mesh designs with a hydro-proof membrane. To provide extra warmth, they are filled with fleece lining. The rubber outsole provides an amazing grip to walk you through the snowy winter days.
The shoes are available from sizes 7 to 14. Priced at INR 9007, they are available on Amazon and the official North Face website.
You can check them out here.
#The NorthFace ThermoBall Lace-Up (Women)
One of my personal favorites, ThermoBall Lace Up from the North Face is perfect for women who are looking for stylish, lightweight, and warm boots for the winter. They have a lace-up design and come in 6 classic colors.
The boots come mid-ankle and offer adequate support. The upper portion is made of 100% recycled P.E.T ripstop and is water-resistant. Inside the upper layer, the shoes are insulated with ThermoBall Eco insulation for warmth and comfort. The sole is made of rubber for good traction.
They also have collar bungee which can be adjusted so to control the snow from getting in. The collar is lined with Oso fleece and synthetic mudguards are used to keep the elements out.
They are available in sizes 5 to 11 and priced at INR 9007. They are available on Amazon, Rei, and the official North Face website.
You can buy the North Face ThermoBall Lace Up Boots from here.
#Sorel Cheyanne Metro HI Boot(Men)
If you are looking for something casual that can help you survive mild winter with just occasional slick city floors, then Sorel’s Cheyanne Metro HI Boot for men is perfect for you.
Unlike the classic Sorel Caribou Boots, the Cheyanne Metro Boots are more for lifestyle rather than adventure. Designed as a sneaker that is waterproof and warm, these boots are especially useful if you are planning on taking a light stroll through the winter streets, or hitting the markets for winter shopping.
The boot is made of suede uppers and gives an option for leather fabric as well. They are designed such that they are completely sealed and insulated. Inside the suede lining comes the extra fleece layer which ensures that the warmth does not go out. The outsole is made of a waterproof vulcanized rubber shell to provide consistent traction and grip during the winter days.
They are available in sizes 7 to 15. Available at Amazon and the official Sorel website they are priced at INR 10597. You can check them out here.
#Muck Boot Arctic Ice AG Mid Snow Boot (Women)
Are you looking for a great pair of boots that is waterproof, warm, and can be worn in almost all winter conditions? If so, Muck Boot Arctic Ice AG Mid Snow Boot is a great fit for you.
Made of rubber and neoprene upper sole, they are waterproof and let you enjoy the snow without worrying about getting your feet wet. For insulation, they use 8mm neoprene/fleece. The outer sole is made of Vibram Arctic Grip with an Icetrek rubber compound. This ensures that there is absolute traction and control even on the slipperiest snow grounds. The midsoles are made of EVA and have comfort insoles for added support.
Designed as a middle slip-on, these boots are one of the best snow boots available for women.
They are available in sizes 6 to 11. Priced at INR 12108, they are available at Amazon, Rei, and the official website of Muck Boot Arctic Ice AG Mid Snow Boot. You can shop the product here.
#LL Bean Snowfield Waterproof Boots(Women)
If you are looking for a casual winter shoe to keep you warm and comfy through the winter, you have come to the right place. Influenced by the classic duck boots, made for daily winters or as casual workplace wear, these boots are perfect if you are looking for mid-insulated boots for women.
LL Bean Snowfield Waterproof Boots are made of nylon mesh, which makes them water-resistant. They are insulated with 100g PrimaLoft insulation for added warmth. They are moisture-wicking and quick drying. The cushioning is offered by Comfort Ride midsole. A synthetic faux-fur collar on the top adds to the style of the boots.
The Toe rand and heel are made of synthetic leather to give extra protection. The outsole is made of VertiGrib rubber for great traction.
They come in black and beige and are in available sizes from 6 to 11. Priced at INR 12,945, they are available on Amazon and LL Bean’s official website.
Check them out here.
#JSlides Tristan Faux Fur Platform Sneaker Bootie(Women)
If you are someone who likes to enjoy the winter without compromising the style, then the Tristan Faux Fur Platform Sneaker collection from JSlides is the one you should look out for.
Jslides created shoes that are comfortable and cool which never go out of style. Just like all their other shoes, the sneaker booty is also a cool yet comfortable option for winter.
Influenced by Chelsea boots, designed to look stylish, these platform heeled sneakers have the option of choosing leather or suede upper portion of the shoes. Both materials are processed so that the shoes are water and windproof.
The top of the sneaker bootie shows a faux fur style. This can either be unzipped like a sneaker, partially zipped that would give it the look and style of a cuffed boot or at times can zip it completely to get the feeling of a bootie. They have heels of 1.5 inches. The closure is there on both sides. Arch support is removable and cushioned which makes it comfortable. The sole is made of rubber to provide efficient traction and grip in the winter.
They come in 5 cool colors and are available in sizes from 5 to 11. They are available in Nordstrom, Bloomingdale store, and Jslides official website. They are priced at INR 13470.
You can purchase this sneaker bootie from here.
#Baffin Impact Boots(Men)
If you live in a place that has the most winter climate with excess snow and you need to cover them on a daily basis, then the Baffin Impact Boots for men is perfect for you.
These pairs of boots are designed specifically to survive extreme harsh weather conditions. They were tested both at the north and the south pole to ensure warmth, insulation, and waterproof. They have a multi-layered insulation system to keep the feet warm and comfortable.
The insulation can be removed as required to provide a comfortable fit. They are waterproof to ensure the dryness of the feet. They also have features that let you hook into the snowshoeing if you want. The upper material is double buckle fastened and made of Nylon to protect from deep snow.
It also comes with a snow lock collar. The base is made of Arctic Rubber, EVA, and Polar Rubber to ensure flexibility, insulation, and durability. The insulation layer itself is made of layers from wool, fleece, and aluminum to ensure maximum protection during extreme cold.
They are available from size 7 to 15 and priced at INR 16653.
You can buy the Impact Boots from here.
#Arc’teryx Acrux TR GTX Boot(Men)
Are you planning on going for a winter trek that can be exhausting and requires a heavyweight load? Then these are your shoes. This pair of technical winter boots for men from Arc’teryx is perfect for the ones who are looking for high support winter boots that can help them carry heavyweight trekking or hiking without weighing down much on the shoes.
This GTX boot is lightweight, comfortable, and perfect for longer treks with heavyweight carrying requirements. They offer good ankle support to ensure that the feet are not pressured beyond a limit. They are made of Gore-Tex textile which offers maximum security in terms of waterproofing, wind resistance, and breathability.
The outer sole is made of Vibram mega grip which ensures absolute traction in a wet or dry landscape. They are especially great if you are looking for offbeat or alpine terrain as the design itself focuses on lightweight, technicalities, and packability.
They are available in sizes 7 to 13.
One flipside is that due to the high technical features, they are priced a bit higher at INR 18924. They can be bought from here.
Now that you have come across all top winter shoes, what do you think will be on your wishlist? Also, if you are traveling this winter, don’t forget to visit Kosha to find warm layers that can keep you warm.
This post was written by Kosha team member – Reshma Rajendran
Still not sure about what layers to get for your cold weather needs? Let us help you with the right layers! Call us / WhatsApp us at+91 9820999006 between 11am & 6pm IST Mondays to Saturdays.
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